C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama vs. Everett Golson, QB, Notre Dame

Unlike Alabama counterpart A.J. McCarron, Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson is mobile. And he has gotten progressively more effective with that mobility as the season has worn on.

Golson has cut down on his turnovers, made better decisions and used his mobility more effectively in the latter part of the regular season.

He presents a challenge not unique to C.J. Mosley and his fellow linebackers, but one that can create problems.

While Golson is no Johnny Manziel, it would be foolish to ignore the fact that they are similar, and Manziel gave the Tide defense all kinds of headaches with his ability to move out of trouble and extend plays.

The Irish have not been as consistent on offense as Alabama and will need Golson to make some plays if they are going to be competitive in this matchup.

How the Alabama linebackers fare in containing Golson and limiting his damage on broken plays will be particularly key to the result of this game.

If they can contain him, the Tide should find themselves pulling away in the third quarter. If not, they will be in trouble because Notre Dame does not lose close games.

Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame vs. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama

Stephon Tuitt is Notre Dame's key threat to disrupting the passing game of the Tide.

While it seems to make more sense to pair up Tuitt and one of Alabama's offensive linemen, A.J. McCarron's play against Tuitt will be key.

Usually, McCarron is great at feeling pressure and stepping up into the pocket, and he has faced some of the most talented defensive ends in the nation.

With McCarron's incredible offensive line protecting him, he hasn't had to spend much time worrying about getting sacked.

But guess what?

Tuitt has more sacks (12) than any other defensive linemen the Tide have faced this season, with the exception of Texas A&M's Damontre Moore. He presents a unique challenge to McCarron: to make sure that he gets the ball of quickly but makes a good read.

If the Irish get McCarron all bent out of shape and hurried, it's going to be a long night for the Tide.